NSW Premier Mike Baird, Roads Minister Duncan Gay and Minister for the Central Coast Rob Stokes today announced the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will commit $100 million to an upgrade of the Pacific Highway at Ourimbah on the Central Coast.

The announcement was made today with Member for Gosford Chris Holstein, candidate for The Entrance Michael Sharpe, candidate for Terrigal Adam Crouch and candidate for Wyong Sandra Kerr.

“Rebuilding NSW is our plan to unlock $20 billion in funding from the long-term lease of 49 per cent of the poles and wires. This will turbocharge NSW, with the Central Coast being a key focus for investment,” Mr Baird said.

“Our plan will fast track major infrastructure projects in growth corridors, with $1 billion to be allocated to a Regional Growth Roads Program.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals will be announcing a complete Central Coast Roads package under Rebuilding NSW shortly, but today I am delighted to announce we will reserve $100 million to duplicate the Pacific Highway to two lanes in each direction from Ourimbah Street, Lisarow to Glen Road, Ourimbah.

“The upgrade will include intersection upgrades with pedestrian crossings at Ourimbah Street, Teralba Street and Walmsley Road and new bridge structures over Cut Rock Creek to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with construction to start in the next financial year.”

Mr Gay said the travel time savings for motorists will also see improved connections between West Gosford and Lisarow train station, as well as the Lisarow and West Gosford employment areas.

“I’m proud that today’s announcement comes on top of already historic levels of funding for the Central Coast under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government since March 2011,” Mr Gay said.

“We have invested $400 million to upgrade and repair state-owned roads in the region including the Central Coast Highway, Sparks Road and Terrigal Drive.

“This project is essentially shovel ready which means that as soon as Rebuilding NSW is in place, we can get the diggers and grinders to work,” Mr Gay said.

Mr Stokes said the NSW Government was working to ensure the Central Coast receives the necessary infrastructure investment to support the region’s growth.

“By 2031 we expect an extra 60,000 people to be living on the Central Coast and we want to ensure the infrastructure is in place to meet that growth,” Mr Stokes said.

“The NSW Government’s investment in the Central Coast from Rebuilding NSW also extends to funding under the $300 million Regional Schools Renewal program for education infrastructure to service growing student populations.

“The Central Coast is also eligible for funding under the $300 million reservation for investment in both environmental and tourism related assets, supporting regional heritage and the visitor economy.”

“I look forward to returning with the local MPs to mark the start of construction on this essential upgrade.”